History of Oyster's Birthday

We would like to correct the press release in your edition October 27, 2008, page three, regarding the oyster festival.

Ms Debra Wales states: "The festival started nine years ago as a way to showcase the beautiful Brisbane Waters and the Peninsula."

While we applaud the event for its fundraising for the NSW Cancer Council, the "Oyster's Birthday" was started 25 years ago by Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf.

The festival was a direct attempt to save the local oyster industry following a health scare.

Over the next 16 years, it included the involvement of many other individuals and organisations, for example the Department of Fisheries and the local fishing industry, the introduction of the blessing of the fleet (an initiative of Heather Mackenzie), displays from the seafood industry and events in conjunction with the Bayview Hotel such as the Carlton Clydesdales.

The event was always held on the Woy Woy waterfront with community groups like the surf clubs and local schools and preschools invited to participate.

It was never intended to be run by professional marketers with so little involvement by the oyster industry.

"The Oyster's Birthday" attracted substantial press coverage including The Daily Telegraph, The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, motoring and other event calendars and even a short film.

The event received enormous financial support from Woy Woy Fisherman's Wharf and the Bayview Hotel (including for security, equipment hire, prize monies, advertising and oysters).

But the event would not have been possible without the support from local companies like Tonkin Drysdale and Tibco, 2GO and from community leaders such as Heather Mackenzie and Gosford Council's Col Gooley.

To ignore the history of The Oyster's Birthday is to ignore the hard work and costs involved in creating the festival and its success in creating a unique local community event.

Merv Clayton and Jenni Cregan, Woy Woy Fisherman's Wharf